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University of Twente
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EngD in Designing a Framework for the Digitalization of Condition-Based Maintenance for Lock Complexes of RWS (Case of Hengelo) University of Twente in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
Two-year full-time EngD position with employee status at the University of Twente; salary up to €3,173 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension and health care benefits, and at least 30 EC of educational/development activities.
Deadline
Nov 14, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Twente
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About this position
This EngD project at the University of Twente focuses on designing a framework for the digitalization of condition-based maintenance for the Hengelo Lock Complex, hosted and sponsored by Rijkswaterstaat. The work sits at the intersection of structural and mechanical engineering, asset management, and Civionics, with a strong emphasis on sensor-based structural health monitoring for civil infrastructure.
The project addresses the challenge that traditional condition-based maintenance still depends heavily on manual inspections, analysis, and planning. You will investigate how the condition of the lock is currently assessed and identify the triggers that can enable automated, continuous monitoring with minimal human intervention. A key part of the work is understanding how structural condition indicators can be derived from changes in relevant parameters and how triggers can be clustered to support a more effective digital maintenance ecosystem.
You will study the structural and mechanical behaviour of lock components, evaluate feasible structural health monitoring technologies, and consider how sensors should be deployed and interpreted in practice. The project also involves reviewing relevant national, regional, and organisational regulations and guidelines, as well as conducting a cost-benefit assessment of monitoring and sensor strategies.
The work is closely linked to real-world infrastructure management through Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch agency responsible for designing, constructing, managing, and maintaining key infrastructure in the Netherlands. You will work with supervisors at the University of Twente and Rijkswaterstaat and contribute to a tailor-made design artefact with practical impact for the Hengelo Lock Complex.
The project is based in Enschede and Hengelo, within an environment that combines academic research, applied engineering, and public infrastructure practice.
Funding details
Two-year full-time EngD position with employee status at the University of Twente; salary up to €3,173 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension and health care benefits, and at least 30 EC of educational/development activities.
What's required
One of the best M.Sc. graduates with a background in structural and mechanical engineering, structural health monitoring, monitoring systems, and asset management. Strong ambition and talent for solving complex multidisciplinary technological problems are required, along with high professional English proficiency; a working command of Dutch is highly preferred. Applicants should be comfortable working in a professional organisation such as Rijkswaterstaat and in the academic environment of the University of Twente, work systematically, design innovative solutions, work independently, and have strong communication, social, teamwork, and initiative skills. Willingness to move to the vicinity of Enschede is required, and daily presence at the UT and Rijkswaterstaat branch in Hengelo is expected.
How to apply
Submit a CV, a motivation letter of max 1 page tailored to the project, and an overview of your M.Sc. degree including thesis title, thesis abstract, and grade list. Send the application before the deadline using the application instructions and portal.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.